Konica Minolta celebrates Earth Hour – ‘2020-Tree’ style

Imbali Combined School.

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Konica Minolta South Africa's commitment to the environment continues with a generous donation of 30 trees to Imbali Combined School in Orange Farm, Johannesburg, during March, a month with a multitude of dates celebrating the planet and promoting sustainability. These days include, among others, Earth Hour, World Water Day, World Planting Day and World Rewilding/Forest Day.

Trees are one of the most important natural resources – we receive food and oxygen from trees, which is why it’s important to preserve and grow more of them. As part of Konica Minolta South Africa's ongoing relationship with the food security and urban greening non-profit social enterprise, Food and Trees for Africa (FTFA), a total of 30 trees were donated in the handover – 15 fruit trees and 15 indigenous shade trees, making up 11.07 tonnes of CO2 offset. 

This was Konica Minolta South Africa's second visit to Imbali Combined School. In 2008, they visited the school for the first time and donated 50 trees – making it 80 trees donated to date.

Ntombie Dlamini, marketing co-ordinator at Konica Minolta South Africa, highlighted during her speech at the tree-handover that Konica Minolta is a firm believer in the ability of businesses to advance and transform society. She emphasised: "No matter how young or old we are, it is our duty as earth stewards to ensure that future generations can enjoy the planet for years to come.”

“As part of our 15-year celebration of the Tree Planting Initiative – we wanted to return to schools and communities where we had previously planted trees to see how they’re doing and continue to build on our ongoing relationships and assist where we can,” she added.

Furthermore, this year, Konica Minolta, a print technology expert, has increased the impact by extending the company’s CSI initiative beyond the provision of trees. Along with the donation of trees, the school received a special delivery of environmentally friendly classroom desks and chairs to accommodate the growing number of learners. These are much needed furniture items, as the number of learners accommodated by the school has grown exponentially in the last year, from 800 to over 1 000 learners in 2023.

Konica Minolta and FTFA have been collaborating on similar initiatives for many years throughout South Africa and this donation marks the company's largest contribution to the school.

“I was thrilled to get my hands dirty with life-giving soil, as I assisted the pupils in planting trees. Seeing young people's perspectives on the value of planting trees and their understanding of their benefits was really encouraging. I am certain that they will continue to plant trees in the future, having been part of such a vital exercise and learning opportunity,” Dlamini added.

"Society sometimes overlooks the importance of providing students with a positive and conducive learning environment," says Nunzi Moutembo, a facilitator with FTFA. "It is imperative that we create a healthy, stimulating setting for learning both inside and outside of the classroom.” The trees we planted at the school 15 years ago are still there and they provide this basic need.

A grateful Mr Tete, principal of Imbali Combined School, concluded: "I am so glad that everyone attended this tree-planting event. I am extremely proud to be working with both Konica Minolta South Africa and Food and Trees for Africa. Getting to where we are now has been an incredible journey for us and we remain committed to encouraging ecological awareness among our pupils.”

Over the years, Konica Minolta has conserved resources through efficient operations, employing a sustainability-based approach and partnership creation to support climate action. Through this approach and partnerships, Konica Minolta South Africa has planted over 64 000 trees since 2008, offsetting an estimated 23 767.15 tonnes of CO2.